Skip to main content
EN
seashells

Keep your eyes on the tide

Fort Myers Shelling

If the best souvenir is free, then in Southwest Florida, our beaches are some of the best in the world to find gifts from the sea - or better known here as seashells. From first-time scavengers to seasoned shellers (our local term for shell collectors), it’s easy to see why anyone can find amazing shells here, and why so many keep coming back for more.

Every day creates a shelling experience different from the day before. The change in tide or shoreline reveals new specimens, thanks to the currents from the Caribbean. With Sanibel’s east-west orientation, gentle waters push along the Gulf’s sloping sea floor, allowing many shells to arrive unharmed. Anytime is a good time to collect seashells, but often, the early morning at low tide is best. No one area is good all the time, and no collection worth viewing was ever found on one outing, so shell seekers assume the famous “Sanibel Stoop" or “Captiva Crouch" for a closer look at the endless shells blanketing the sand.   

Consider a private charter shelling cruise for more remote locations. You’ll also find the chance to enjoy a sunset and watch dolphins play in your boat wake during the trip from shore. Dozens of tour guides can help you find the perfect shell, but remember to leave live shells behind, as they are protected by state law. Most shellers here can expect to find lettered olives, lightning whelks, Florida fighting conchs, baby’s ears, worm shells, nauticas, scallops, coquinas and other bivalves. But one of the rarest finds – and the shell that keeps many returning – is the brown-speckled Junonia. Those who come looking for a particular shell often find so much more if they remain open to the surprises twinkling on the beach.

 

Links & Resources

Discover more about Fort Myers

From luxurious amenities to total privacy, renting a vacation home delivers lots of advantages for your next friends getaway in

Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives while in the U.S. military service. Whether your Memorial Day plans involve

October in Fort Myers naturally comes with a slew of Halloween activities — some fall family fun, some totally spooktacular things

In Southwest Florida, the gifts that keep on giving are often entirely free. Anywhere you choose to stay, you’ll be near pristine

Each year something special happens on our beaches. From May through October, sea turtles emerge from the Gulf of Mexico to lay

The path to better well-being is as unique as you are. Perhaps your getaway involves a Florida wellness retreat or destination spa

Family fun is never far away in Southwest Florida. While fun can always be had on the beach, amusement parks and other kid

Fort Myers serve as an inspiring backdrop for meetings, no matter what time of year. But there are notable benefits to holding

Creativity is always flowing throughout Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and neighborhoods, and winter is when artists really get to

Anyone who arrives on Captiva Island does so with intention — along the Sanibel Causeway, through Sanibel Island and over the

Coinciding with the beginning of summer, the Fort Myers area is also celebrating National Seashell Day on June 20. Collecting

Related Listings

Find your beach

Share

Show us your good days and we'll show you more! Share your favorite memories with hashtag #MyFortMyers.